December12, 2012

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Howard L. Berman, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the Global Partnerships Act of 2012, a landmark bill intended to reform the U.S. foreign aid system.

The nearly 1000-page legislation represents the culmination of nearly five years of work that began when Berman assumed the chairmanship of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in 2008.

“This legislation sets forth a comprehensive framework for advancing American interests by working in cooperation with other countries to make our world a better, safer place,” said Berman. “The most fundamental change that this bill makes is transforming the donor – recipient relationship to one of equal partners working toward mutually agreed upon and beneficial goals.”

The GPA replaces both the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which covers economic, and development assistance, and the Arms Export Control Act, which deals with arms sales and military aid.

Additional titles provide for strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting; policy restrictions and special authorities; organization, management and human resources; and amendments and repeals.

The legislation was introduced at a Wednesday press conference with representatives from NGOs and other organizations working to modernize foreign assistance programs.